All About Epsom Salt: Uses and Benefits for Natural Health

Many people solely think of salt as something that comes in a shaker to sprinkle on food. But there are certain types of salt that are used for natural body healing as well. For example, Epsom salt is a mineral compound that’s made up of sulfate and magnesium that has been used to soothe and treat a wide range of conditions. In this article, we’re looking at what Epsom salt is and how it can be used as part of a natural health regimen.

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Epsom salt got its name from a town in England where it was first produced. Its major components of sulfate and magnesium work together in some really unique ways. Magnesium is internally involved in everything from blood pressure regulation, bodily detoxification, and DNA synthesis. Meanwhile, sulfate has a strong connection to the release of enzymes in the gut that are necessary for digesting food.

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is widely touted for its ability to sooth sore muscles, making it a recommended natural remedy for aches and pains caused by exercise, overexertion, and chronic medical conditions. This is a remedy that has been widely used for hundreds of years to ease stress and relax the body as well. This is because stress naturally depletes the body of magnesium, and Epsom salt can help replenish the body’s supply of magnesium and reduce the effects of extra adrenaline that often accompanies stress. It’s also a good idea to eat more magnesium-rich foods when you’re feeling stressed out, such as spinach, almonds, fatty fish, and bananas.

Epsom salt may also help prevent the hardening of arteries, relieve constipation, and eliminate toxins from the body. Studies also suggest that the compound may ease gout-related discomfort and relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot too.

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How to Use Epsom Salt

The most common way that people use Epsom salt today is by adding it to a bath and taking a nice, relaxing soak. Try adding two cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub and placing it under the running water to help it dissolve faster. Then soak in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes when you’re feeling achy or sore.

Another common use for Epsom salt is to remove splinters caused by wood. For this use, you can soak a washcloth in a solution of 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and 1 cup of cold water. The washcloth can be used as a cold compress when you have a splinter or sore muscles. You can also create an Epsom salt paste with a teaspoon of Epsom salt and a cup of hot water. Although it’s important to let the paste chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before applying it to the skin.

Other Uses for Epsom Salt

Many people swear by Epsom salt as part of their beauty routine as well to volumize hair, remove foot odor, and exfoliate dead skin from the face and body. And going beyond bodily use, Epsom salt can be used around the house and in the garden too. For example, you can clean bathroom tiles with a solution of Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent, prevent slugs from entering your home by sprinklings some at entry points, and even get rid of plant pests in your yard by creating a natural insecticide spray with Epsom salt.

With so many varied uses, it’s a wonder that more people don’t stock their cupboards with this natural product. If you have used Epsom salt for something else than we mentioned here, please share your experience with us and fellow readers in the comment section below.